The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory warning Nigerians to refrain from misusing their United States visas, following increasing concerns raised by U.S. authorities over visa violations by some Nigerian travellers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NCS spokesperson Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada emphasized that the misuse of entry visas — including actions inconsistent with the stated purpose of travel — could lead to severe consequences, including the revocation of travel privileges.
“The Nigeria Customs Service wishes to alert the general public to the concerns raised by the Government of the United States of America on the need for Nigerians to desist from misusing entry visas granted by the U.S.,” the statement read in part.
The agency stressed that possessing a valid visa does not guarantee unrestricted entry or protection from penalties. U.S. authorities reserve the right to scrutinize and revoke visas if travellers are found to be in breach of their visa terms. Offences such as immigration violations, failure to declare funds, or transporting restricted or prohibited goods may trigger sanctions.
Travellers were also reminded of the obligation to declare cash and monetary instruments when crossing borders, in line with international customs laws.
“It is important for passengers to be law-abiding citizens and maintain good conduct both within and outside Nigeria,” the Customs Service noted. “Anyone who commits fraud in any jurisdiction will be held accountable under both U.S. and Nigerian laws.”
The NCS further disclosed its ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion on any expanded list of countries facing visa restrictions. Such a designation, officials warned, could result in tightened entry requirements and reduce travel opportunities for legitimate Nigerian travellers.
“The Nigeria Customs Service wishes to reaffirm that it is working with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure that Nigeria meets the criteria to avoid enlistment into an expanded visa ban that will deny entry to well-meaning Nigerians wishing to travel to the U.S. for their lawful business endeavours,” the statement concluded.
Citizens were urged to uphold transparency, comply with international travel laws, and maintain Nigeria’s reputation abroad. The advisory serves as a call for personal accountability, especially at a time when global mobility is increasingly shaped by security and immigration considerations.
